1998-03-24 Annual Town Meeting Minutes

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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 13, 1998 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:50 p.m., there being a quorum present. The Invocation was given by Matthew Cummings, Precinct 8. This month the Town lost one of its longtime volunteers, Robert Fields. Bob, who passed away, was a member of the Board of Library trustees for 32 years, having first been elected in 1966 and served every since. He was also probably the library's most frequent visitor. I would like a moment of silence, please. The moment of silence was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The Warrant was partially read by the Town Clerk, Cheryl A. Johnson, when on motion by Camille W. Anthony, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted to dispense with further reading of the Warrant except for the Officer's Return, which was read by the Town Clerk. ARTICLE 2 - Camille W. Anthony, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, gave The following State of the Town Report: The years pass so quickly, too quickly; and once again it is time for us to reflect upon the health of the community. It is always enlightening to pause and assess the situations that have arisen during the past year and evaluate the decisions made to address these needs. As a preface to my remarks on the.State of the Town, let me first extend our thanks on behalf of the entire community to the Reading Police Department for the professional manner in which the department dealt with the disappearance of Elaine Donahue. Their perseverance in solving the case was tempered with a respect for a family in crisis. This event brought the citizens of Reading together initially in a common bond of concern and hope, and finally left us dismayed and saddened. Now, let us reflect upon some of the events occurring during the year that have brought many rewards to the community. ❖ The state of our public buildings keeps improving. Due to the strength of our Capital Improvements Program, a new, redefined Police Station will become a reality as final design is accomplished and construction begins in the fall. The completion of the Parker Middle School and full occupancy this past fall is a landmark in the community. The recent approval by Town Meeting to fund renovation of the Coolidge Middle School continues the School Department's program of upgrading our schools. ❖ Due to the efforts of the Historical Commission through the enactment of the Demolition Delay Bylaw, we have been successful in preserving the Damon House